Arts & Entertainment
New Outdoor Performance Venue Opens In NJ: See Details
The venue was launched as part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts' 16-month Centennial Celebration.
FREEHOLD, NJ — New Jersey’s newest outdoor performance venue has officially opened in Monmouth County.
ParkStage, located at the East Freehold Park Showgrounds, kicked off the summer season on Friday with a show headlined by Sublime.
The new venue was launched as part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts’ 16-month Centennial Celebration in collaboration with Monmouth County Tourism.
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According to Adam Philipson, the President & CEO of the Count Basie Center, the celebration aims to commemorate the organization’s century-long presence in Red Bank and its impact throughout the state.
With the opening of ParkStage, the venue aims to be a “marquee destination for live entertainment in New Jersey, drawing attendees to music shows, comedy and more.”
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“It reflects our belief in the power of the arts to bring people together, support the local economy, and create moments of joy for everyone in our community,” Philipson said.
Centrally located in one of the state’s fastest-growing population corridors, ParkStage offers access via all major roadways with free on-site parking, an upfront pit section, a general admissions area and luxury VIP accommodations.
In addition to Sublime (which played at ParkStage on Friday as part of the North2Shore Festival), other acts scheduled to perform at the venue include The Head & The Heart, The B-52s, Dark Star Orchestra and Lake Street Drive.
New Jersey icon Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul & Friends will also perform there on Friday, July 3.
- Read More: See What Shows Are Coming To Monmouth County’s New Outdoor Performance Venue
- Read More: 2 New Performers Added To ParkStage’s Summer Lineup: See Details
“It’s a welcoming, comfortable and borderline bucolic place to see a show,” NJ.com wrote in their review of the venue. “The only demonstrable downside is that, due to the layout, the setting sun is pointed directly at the audience during the early-evening hours — not unlike the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park — but that’s nothing a pair of sunglasses won’t remedy.”
For those visiting ParkStage for the first time, here are some tips you should know, according to the venue’s website:
- Those 15-years-old and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- All patrons require a ticket, regardless of age
- The ParkState box office opens two hours before shows and is located at the main entrance at 1500 Kozloski Road. Amex, Visa and Mastercard only
- All tickets are mobile entry
- Various food and beverage options will be available for purchase at ParkStage, including vegetarian and vegan options
- Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21-years-old and older with proper ID
- An EMS tent is located near the venue’s main entrance
- Any bags larger than 6”x9” must be clear/transparent. No bags larger than 12”x12” are permitted and all bags are subject to search.
To learn more about ParkStage, you can visit their website.
ParkStage is located at the East Freehold Showgrounds at 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold.
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